From OSHA

INSPECTION FINDS HOUSTON STEEL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY'S HISTORY OF IGNORING EMPLOYEE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS CONTINUES

Sonny Steel Erectors' history of exposing employees to hazards dates back to 2011 HOUSTON - Despite an extensive history of serious and repeat violations dating back more than a decade, a Houston steel erection company again failed to correct fall protection systems hazards, a federal workplace safety investigation has found.

Investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration discovered employees of Sonny Steel Erectors Inc. lacked required fall protection as they worked on erecting a steel building in Cypress in February 2023.

OSHA cited the company for one serious violation for not securing a ladder at its top to a rigid support, one willful violation for allowing workers to erect buildings taller than 15 feet without fall protection, and one repeat violation for failing to ensure employees using an aerial lift stood firmly on the basket's floor and that a body belt or a lanyard was attached to the boom or basket.

Answer the following questions:

1) What is the approximate OSHA's proposed fine? Explain how you came to this total?

2) How many business days does Sonny have to appeal OSHA's fine?

3) Is a magistrate court likely to reduce the fine?

4) Does OSHA's regulatory posture remain the same regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is President of the United States? Explain